Programmable Hand-Held Video Gaming Controller With Integrated Foot-Pedal Gaming Controller Platform

ABSTRACT

A gaming platform including a programmable hand-held video gaming controller in electrical communication with an integrated foot-pedal gaming controller and/or an integrated mouthpiece gaming controller platform. The programmable hand-held video gaming controller including at least one game function activation area, each of the at least one game function activation areas operating a game function, each of the at least one game function activation areas further including a function control transfer switch. The integrated foot-pedal gaming controller platform including at least one foot pedal configured to control at least one game function when a corresponding function control transfer switch on the programmable hand-held video gaming controller is activated; and the integrated mouthpiece gaming controller platform configured to control at least one game function when a corresponding function control transfer switch on the programmable hand-held video gaming controller is activated.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to hand-held video gaming controllers,and more specifically, to a mechanism for utilizing foot-pedals alongwith or in lieu of the traditional hand-operations in a video gamingcontroller in order to simplify the hand commands, improve a gamer'sperformance, and increase the overall level of enjoyment and realisticexperience for the user.

BACKGROUND

Currently “traditional” hand-held video gaming controllers can have morethan a “dozen” buttons and “two” joysticks to operate all the commandsneeded with most video games, of which generally “ten” buttons and both“joysticks” are operated with just your thumbs, limiting a playersability to just “two” commands at the same time on these buttons and/orjoysticks.

The “traditional” layout on most video gaming controllers “group” manyof the buttons close to each other; which can result in pressing thewrong button, especially when under pressure. The ability to separatethe functions of these “grouped” buttons could reduce pressing the wrongbutton by mistake.

By integrating a platform that couples different “traditional hand heldgaming controller” functions to a separate apparatus, would allow aplayer to operate “traditional hand-held controller” commands such asexamples: gas, brake, clutch while operating automobiles; rudders andflaps when operating aircraft, or even track controls on tanks and othermachines, with the use of their feet, providing a more realisticexperience and potentially “doubling” the number of traditionally“thumb-operated” commands that could be made at the same time, giving aplayer a clear advantage over their opponent.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is a method and system for utilizing foot-pedalsalong with the traditional hand-operations in a video gaming controller;in one embodiment, a player can assign ‘different’ “traditional”hand-held video gaming controller functions to one or more foot-pedalson an integrated foot-pedal gaming controller platform. In anotherembodiment, of an integrated foot-pedal gaming controller platform, aplayer can utilize foot-pedals that share ‘assigned’ “traditional”hand-held video gaming controller functions. The number of foot pedalsthat can be used in lieu of traditional hand controls can depend, forexample, on the level of expertise of the player. For example, a noviceplayer may choose to activate “one” pedal while an advanced player canchoose a plurality of pedals.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a gaming platform isprovided. The gaming platform includes a programmable hand-held videogaming controller including at least one game function activation area,each of the at least one game function activation areas operating a gamefunction, each of the at least one game function activation areasfurther comprising a function control transfer switch, and an inelectrical communication with the programmable hand-held video gamingcontroller. The integrated foot-pedal gaming controller platformincludes at least one foot pedal configured to control at least one gamefunction when a corresponding function control transfer switch on theprogrammable hand-held video gaming controller is activated.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a gaming method forsharing or transferring gaming function control between a programmablehand-held video gaming controller and an integrated foot-pedal gamingcontroller platform is provided. The method includes activating afunction control transfer switch located on a game function activationarea of the programmable hand-held video gaming controller, theactivation of the function control transfer switch transferring controlof the gaming function associated with the game function activation areato a corresponding foot pedal on the integrated foot-pedal gamingcontroller platform.

In another embodiment, a gaming platform is provided, the gamingplatform including a programmable hand-held video gaming controllerincluding at least one game function activation area, each of the atleast one game function activation areas operating a game function. Eachof the at least one game function activation areas further including afunction control transfer switch operable to transfer control of thegame function to different foot pedals on an integrated foot pedalgaming controller platform upon successive activations of the functioncontrol transfer switch, and at least one indicator light configured toindicate which pedal on the integrated foot pedal gaming controllerplatform control of the game function associated with the game functionactivation area has been transferred to. The gaming platform furtherincludes an integrated foot-pedal gaming controller platform inelectrical communication with the programmable hand-held video gamingcontroller, the integrated foot-pedal gaming controller platformincluding at least one foot pedal configured to control at least onegame function when a corresponding function control transfer switch onthe programmable hand-held video gaming controller is activated.

In another embodiment, a gaming platform is provided, the gamingplatform including a programmable hand-held video gaming controllerincluding at least one game function activation area, each of the atleast one game function activation areas operating a game function. Eachof the at least one game function activation areas further including afunction control transfer switch configured to the transfer control ofthe game function to either a left gaming shoe or a right gaming shoe aspart of an integrated gaming shoe controller platform. The gamingplatform further includes an integrated gaming shoe controller platformin electrical communication with the programmable hand-held video gamingcontroller, the integrated gaming shoe platform including at least onefunction activation pad configured to control at least one game functionwhen a corresponding function control transfer switch on theprogrammable hand-held video gaming controller is activated.

In another embodiment, a gaming platform is provided, the gamingplatform including a programmable hand-held video gaming controllerincluding at least one game function activation area, each of the atleast one game function activation areas operating a game function. Eachof the at least one game function activation areas further including afunction control transfer switch configured to transfer control of thegame function to a control mechanism incorporated into the programmablehand-held video gaming controller that would allow a user to activategame function by rotating the programmable hand-held video gamingcontroller to the left or to the right.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of the programmable hand-held video gamingcontroller of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the integrated foot-pedal gamingcontroller platform of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of theprogrammable hand-held video gaming controller of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates the bottom view of the dual function gaming shoe ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates the bottom view of the quad function gaming shoe ofthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 illustrates the top view of an alternate embodiment of theprogrammable hand-held video gaming controller of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary layout of the programmable hand-heldvideo gaming controller 10 of the present disclosure. Game controller 10is electrically coupled to an integrated foot pedal gaming controllerplatform 12 (see FIG. 2) either via wires or wirelessly, throughcommunication methods commonly known in the electrical arts. In oneembodiment of the present disclosure, both game controller 10 andintegrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12 are fully operableto provide control to ‘various’ gaming features as commonly known in theart. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, both gamecontroller 10 and integrated foot-pedal gaming controller 12 are fullyoperable to provide ‘specific’ gaming features as commonly known in theart. Both game controller 10 and integrated foot pedal gaming controllerplatform 12 include the necessary hardware, software, memory, andelectrical circuits to provide a fully-programmable video gamecontroller module as is currently known in the art, or anon-programmable video game controller module as is currently known inthe art.

Game controller 10 includes one or more game function activation areas14, each of which includes game control buttons, switches, levers, etc.,commonly known in the art to allow a user to control specific gamefunctions. Each game function activation areas 14 also includes a gamefunction transfer switch 16 that is configured to perform a variety offunctions. The present disclosure is not limited to the exact type ofgaming functions that can be performed by the activation of switch 16.Further, switch 16 can be a push button, or any other type of switchcommonly known in the art.

Game controller 10 may, in certain embodiments, also include indicatorlights 18 and 20. Indicator lights 18 and 20 are located in each gamefunction activation area 14. Indicator lights 18 indicate which side ofintegrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12 control for thatspecific game function has been transferred to. For example, if controlof the function associated with a particular game function activationareas 14 is transferred to the left side of integrated foot pedal gamingcontroller platform 12 then indicator light 18 will show an “L” and ifthe control of the game function has been transferred to the right sideof the integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12 thenindicator light 18 will show an “R”.

Similarly, indicator lights 20 indicate which pedal of integrated footpedal gaming controller platform 12 control for that specific gamefunction has been transferred to. For example, if control of thefunction associated with a particular game function activation areas 14is transferred to the first pedal of integrated foot pedal gamingcontroller platform 12 then indicator light 20 will show a “1” and ifthe control of the game function has been transferred to the secondpedal of the integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12 thenindicator light 20 will show an “2”. Thus, for example, if control of aparticular game function has been transferred to the second pedal of theright side of integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12indicator light 18 will show an “R” and indicator light 20 will show a“2.” In this fashion, the user can easily see which pedals are notcontrolling this particular game function.

An exemplary methodology of how game function controls are transferredto foot pedals will now be discussed. Referring now to both FIG. 1 andFIG. 2, in one embodiment, when switch 16 located in a game functionactivation area 14 is activated for a first time, instead of theselected game function associated with the game controls in the functionactivation area 14 remaining in the control of game controller 10 as istraditional, the selected game function is transferred to acorresponding foot pedal on integrated foot pedal gaming controllerplatform 12. For example, when switch 16 is activated a first time, thegaming function that would normally be initiated by the activation ofswitch 16 is instead transferred to a corresponding pedal located onfoot pedal gaming controller platform 12, e.g., the first pedal 22 onthe left side of the integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform12, as shown in FIG. 2. This allows the user to control this particulargame function by activating the corresponding foot pedal, i.e., pedal 22on integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12, rather thancontrolling the game function via use of game controller 10. Asdescribed above, in one embodiment, corresponding indicator lights 18and 20 on gaming controller 10 may be illuminated to thus indicate thatcontrol of this particular game function has been transferred from gamecontroller 10 to a corresponding foot pedal on integrated foot pedalgaming controller platform 12, for instance, the first pedal 22 on theleft side of integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12, asshown in FIG. 2. In another embodiment, indicator lights 18 and 20 onintegrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 4 are also illuminatedto indicate to the user which foot pedal is currently controlling a gamefunction.

In other embodiments, when switch 16 on game controller 10 is activateda second time, the game function that would normally be controlled byswitch 16 is transferred to a different foot pedal, i.e., different fromthe foot pedal that controls the game function when switch 16 isactivated for a first time. For example, when switch 16 is activated asecond time, the function that would normally be activated by theactuation of switch 16 on game controller 10 is transferred to adifferent foot pedal on integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform12. For example, this foot pedal could be the second pedal 24 on theleft side of the integrated foot-pedal gaming controller platform 12, asshown in FIG. 2. Again, in one embodiment, corresponding indicatorlights 18 and 20 on game controller 10 and indicator lights onintegrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12 may be illuminatedto indicate that control of this particular game function has beentransferred to a corresponding foot pedal on integrated foot pedalgaming controller platform 12, for instance second pedal 24 on the leftside of integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12.

In another embodiment, when switch 16 is activated a third time, thefunction that would normally be associated with switch 16 on gamecontroller 10 is transferred to a different foot pedal on integratedfoot pedal gaming controller platform 12, i.e., different from the footpedal to which control of the game function was transferred when switch16 was activated a first time and the foot pedal to which control of thegame function was transferred when switch 16 was activated a secondtime. For example, this foot pedal could be the first pedal 26 on theright side of integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12. Inone embodiment, corresponding indicator lights 18 and 20 on gamecontroller 10 and indicator lights on integrated foot pedal gamingcontroller platform 12 may be illuminated to indicate that thisparticular game function has been transferred to a corresponding pedalon integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12, for instance,the first pedal 26 on the right side of integrated foot pedal gamingcontroller platform 12.

In another embodiment, when switch 16 is activated a fourth time, thefunction that would normally be activated by the activation of switch 16on game controller 10 is transferred to a different foot pedal onintegrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12, i.e., differentfrom the foot pedal to which control of the game function wastransferred when switch 16 was activated a first time, the foot pedal towhich control of the game function was transferred when switch 16 wasactivated a second time, and the foot pedal to which control of the gamefunction was transferred when switch 16 was activated a third time. Forexample, this foot pedal to which control is transferred could be thesecond pedal 28 on the right side of integrated foot pedal gamingcontroller platform 12. In one embodiment, corresponding indicatorlights 18 and 20 on both game controller 10 and indicator lights onintegrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12 may be illuminatedto indicate that this particular game function has been coupled to acorresponding pedal on integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform12, in this instance, the second pedal 28 on the right side ofintegrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12.

In still another embodiment, when switch 16 on game controller 10 isactivated a fifth time, all connections to integrated foot pedal gamingcontroller platform 12 are deactivated along with correspondingindicator lights 18 and 20 on game controller 10 and integrated footpedal gaming controller platform 12, returning control of the functionback to the hand-held game controller 10.

Note that the number and order of activations of the switch 16 givenabove to transfer control of a game function from game controller 10 toa specific pedal on integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12is exemplary only. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to theexact number of switch 16 activations or the order of switch 16activations indicated above. Thus, for example, a first activation ofswitch 16 may transfer control to, for example, the first pedal 26 onthe right side of integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12.Further, activating switch 16 may result in different operations. Forexample, in one embodiment, if switch 16 is activated for a first time,instead of the game function remaining in the control of game controller10, the selected function is coupled to a foot pedal on the integratedfoot pedal gaming control platform 14. If switch 16 is pressed twotimes, control of that gaming function is moved to a different pedal onthe integrated foot pedal gaming platform 14. However, if switch 16 isactivated three times, the connection of the indicated function to thepedals of the integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 14 andpush button and indicators is deactivated, returning control of thefunction solely to hand-held game controller 10.

The term “transferring” as used herein may mean that total control of agame function is transferred from game controller 10 to integrated footpedal gaming controller platform 12 and control of that game function inthe hand-held game controller 10 is deactivated, or it may mean thatcontrol of this game function is shared between both hand-held gamecontroller 10 and integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12.This latter embodiment may be advantageous for example “in the heat ofbattle” during gaming when garners may wish to use both the hand heldgame controller 10 and foot pedals on the integrated foot pedal gamingcontroller platform 12 without having to think about which apparatus iscurrently controlling the game function.

Referring again to FIG. 1, when, for example, the first pedal 22 on theleft side of integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12 isbeing used for certain game function control, the switch 16 associatedwith the selected function and the corresponding indicator light 18 willilluminate to show an “L” and indicator light 20 will illuminate to showa “1” on the programmable hand-held video gaming controller, Further, inanother embodiment, a corresponding upright pedal function indicatorlight “A” 30 or an inverter pedal function indicator light “B” 32, willilluminate on the corresponding pedal (i.e., 22) on integrated footpedal gaming controller platform 12, depending on which setting thepedal function inverter switch 34 is set to. This, advantageously,alerts players as to which setting the pedal function inverter switch 34is set to, either upright function or inverted function. This featureallows the gamer to access two different gaming functions per footpedal.

An exemplary use of the pedal function inverter switch 34 is, in oneembodiment, each time a player activates game function transfer switch16 on programmable hand-held video gaming controller 10, it transferstwo functions to a rocker pedal, one at the top of the pedal and one atthe bottom of the pedal. With pedal function inverter switch 34, theplayer can choose to reverse those two functions if they wish. Forexample, if the player transferred the gas and brake functions of anautomobile-based video game to a rocker pedal and the brake function wasat the top of the pedal and the gas function was at the bottom of thepedal, a player may choose to reverse these two functions so the gasfunction is at the top of the rocker pedal and the brake function is atthe bottom of the pedal. This would allow any control function on gamingcontroller 10 to be transferred to (or coupled to) the top or the bottomof any rocker pedal, thereby doubling a player's options.

When, for example, the second pedal 24 on the left side of theintegrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12 is being used forcertain game function control, the push button for the selected functionwill be illuminated and the corresponding indicator 18 will illuminatewith an “L” and corresponding indicator 20 will illuminate with a “2” onthe programmable hand-held video gaming controller. Also, thecorresponding “A” 30 or “B” 32 indicator lights for pedal 24 (indicatedas “2” on the hand-held game controller because it is the second footpedal) will illuminate on the integrated foot pedal gaming controllerplatform 12, alerting a player to which setting the pedal functioninverter switch 34 is set to, i.e., either upright function or invertedfunction. Thus, for example, when control of a game function has beengiven to the second pedal 28 on the right side of the integrated footpedal gaming controller platform 12, the push button for the selectedfunction in the game function activation area illuminates and thecorresponding indicator 18 will show an “R” and indicator 20 will show a“2”. In one embodiment, function inverter switch 34 indicator light “A”30 or “B” 32 will be also illuminated on the integrated foot pedalgaming platform 12. In this fashion, the indicator lights fully alertthe gamer as to which pedals have taken over, or are sharing control,each game function.

In one embodiment, hand-held game controller 10 may include an on/offpush button switch 36 that activates and deactivates a setting lock onall programmable hand-held video gaming controller functions andilluminates corresponding on/off indicator lights. In one embodiment,on/off push button switch 36 requires players to hold the switch 36 fora predetermined amount of time, e.g., two seconds, to switch on or offthe function and to prevent unwanted changes to the settings.

In one embodiment, game controller 10 includes a two player selectorswitch 38 that allows two players, each equipped with a programmablehand-held video gaming controller 10, to choose either left side pedals(either the first pedal and/or the second pedal on the left side) orright side pedals (either the first pedal and/or the second pedal on theright side) on the integrated foot-pedal gaming controller platform 12.The use of the player selector switches 38 thus limits the programmablehand-held video gaming controller functions to either the selected leftside pedals “1” and “2” or right side pedals “1” and “2” of theintegrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12 thereby allowing twoplayers to play side-by-side with the use of two pedals each.

As discussed herein, in certain embodiments, the programmable hand-heldvideo gaming controller 10 may transfer the activated function to theintegrated foot pedal controller platform 12 or instead of transferringgame function control to the foot pedals, control can be shared betweengame controller 10 and the foot pedals of integrated foot pedalcontroller platform 12.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, one or more of the pedals ofintegrated foot-pedal gaming controller platform 12 may be dualoperation rocker pedals that allow a player to rock the pedal forward orbackwards to perform two separate programmable hand-held video gamingcontroller functions with one pedal. Pedal function inverter switch 34allows a player to reverse pedal function from upright pedal function toinverted pedal function. Pedal function indicator light “A” 30 indicatesthe upright foot pedal function while pedal function indicator light “B”32 indicates the inverted foot pedal function. Two-player indicatorlight 18 on programmable hand-held video gaming controller 10 willilluminate an “L” when a player chooses to use the left side pedals ‘1”22 and “2” 24 on the integrated foot pedal gaming platform 12.Two-player indicator light 18 will illuminate “R” when a player choosesto use the right side pedals “1” 26 and “2” 28 on the integrated footpedal gaming controller platform 12. In one embodiment, when a playerchooses the two-player indicator light “L” or the two player indicatorlight “R” setting on the programmable hand-held video gaming controller10 it will also activate and illuminate the two-player switch 40 on theintegrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12, thus alerting theplayer that the two-player switch has been activated on the programmablehand-held video gaming controller 10.

In other embodiments, variations of the integrated foot pedal gamingcontroller platform 12 may include single function pedals, dualoperation rocker pedals, quad-operation (4-way) rocker pedals orcombinations of two or more. The 4-way rocker pedal can be rockedforward or backward or side to side to allow a player to activate fourdifferent functions with a single pedal like a typical joystick. Othervariations of the integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12may be modified to fit into a gaming chair, in place of an adjustablehinged connecting frame that forms the integrated foot pedal gamingcontroller platform 12.

In another embodiment, variations of the integrated foot pedal gamingcontroller platform 12, may be incorporated into footwear. For example,in one embodiment; rather than having rocker pedals mounted on a deckplatform, a “dual-function” rocker pedal mechanism may be incorporatedin the construction of a gaming shoe 50. as shown in FIG. 4. This allowsa player to control two traditional hand-held video gaming controllerfunctions by resting the sole of the shoe 50 on a firm surface androcking their foot forward or backward. Further, a quad function rockerpedal mechanism may be incorporated into the gaming shoe 50, as shown inFIG. 5. This allows the player to rock their foot forward, backward andside to side to imitate the functions of a traditional joystick.

In another embodiment, variations of the integrated foot pedal gamingcontroller platform 12, may be incorporated into the programmablehand-held video gaming controller itself. For example, in oneembodiment; rather than having a rocker pedal mounted on a deckplatform, a “dual function” rocker mechanism may be incorporated intothe construction of a programmable hand-held video gaming controller 10.as shown in FIG. 6. This allows a player to control two traditionalhand-held video gaming controller functions by “rotating” theprogrammable hand-held video gaming controller to the “left” or to the“right”. Indicator light 52 as shown in FIG. 6 alerts the player thatcontrol function has been transferred to the dual function rockermechanism in the programmable hand-held video gaming controller.

Integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12 may also include anadjustable hinged connecting frame 42 that supports the integratedfoot-pedal gaming controller platform 12, adjusts for pitch, and isconfigured to fold for easy transportation.

In one embodiment, integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12can be comprised of two separate panels (indicated by dashed lines 44)that can slide apart on rails thus extending the length of integratedfoot pedal gaming controller platform 12 for two-player action.Alternately, integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 12 can becomprised of only one panel with two pedals as indicated by the dashedlines 46. Handles 48 may be positioned atop integrated foot pedal gamingcontroller platform 12 or a single handle 48 may be positioned atopintegrated foot pedal gaming controller 12 to allow for easytransportation.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary layout of an alternate programmablehand-held video gaming controller 10 of the present disclosure. The gamecontroller 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 is similar to the game controller 10shown in FIG. 1 except that the game controller 10 in FIG. 3 is for usewith a two-pedal integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform 14. Aseen, indicator lights 20 can illuminate as either a “1” or a “2” toidentify which foot pedal on integrated foot pedal gaming controllerplatform 14 has been transferred (or is sharing) control of thatparticular gaming function.

In one embodiment, a dual function rocker mechanism can be incorporatedinto the construction of the programmable hand-held video gamingcontroller itself; allowing a player to activate a function controltransfer switch located on a game function activation area of theprogrammable hand-held video gaming controller; the activation of thefunction control transfer switch transferring control of the gamefunction associated with the game function activation area tocorresponding dual function rocker mechanism contained inside theprogrammable hand-held video gaming controller, allowing the gamefunction to be activated by rotating the programmable hand-held videogaming controller to the “left” or the “right”; illumination of thefunction control transfer switch will alert the player that the dualfunction rocker mechanism in the programmable hand-held video gamecontroller has been activated and indicator lights C 52. indicates whichgaming functions on the hand-held video gaming controller has beentransferred; and transferring control of the game function associatedwith the function control transfer switch to the dual function rockermechanism contained within the programmable hand-held video gamingcontroller while maintaining control of the game function on theprogrammable hand-held video gaming controller, thereby allowing thegame function to be shared between the programmable hand-held videogaming controller buttons or joysticks and by rotating the programmablehand-held video gaming controller to the “left” or to the “right”.

In another embodiment, a dual function or quad function rocker mechanismcan be incorporated into the construction of an ‘integrated articulatingmouthpiece gaming controller’; allowing a player to activate a functioncontrol transfer switch located on a game function activation area ofthe programmable hand-held video game controller; the activation of thefunction control transfer switch transferring control of the gamefunction associated with the game function activation area to anintegrated articulating mouthpiece gaming controller, allowing the gamefunction to be activated by the user applying pressure with his or herjaw; illumination of the function control transfer switch andaccompanying indicator light will alert the player that the integratedarticulating mouthpiece gaming controller has been activated.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connectionwith the above description and the drawings. It will be understood thatit would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe andillustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments.Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/orcombination, and the present specification, including the drawings,shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of allcombinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein,and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shallsupport claims to any such combination or subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that theembodiments described herein are not limited to what has beenparticularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unlessmention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all ofthe accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modificationsand variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gaming platform, configured for use with Mobilegaming, PC gaming, and Console gaming that further includes the use ofBluetooth, Infrared or any other similar technologies, comprising: aprogrammable hand-held video gaming controller comprising: at least onegame function activation area, each of the at least one game functionactivation areas operating a game function, each of the at least onegame function activation areas further comprising a function controltransfer switch; an integrated foot-pedal gaming controller platform inelectrical communication with the programmable hand-held video gamingcontroller, the integrated foot-pedal gaming controller platformcomprising: at least one foot pedal configured to control at least onegame function on the programmable hand-held video gaming controller whena corresponding function control transfer switch on the programmablehand-held video gaming controller is activated, wherein at least onepedal of the integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform is a dualfunction rocker pedal or quad function rocker pedal and includes afunction inverter switch enabling a user to toggle between upright pedalfunction and inverted pedal function; the programmable hand-held videogaming controller further includes at least one indicator lightconfigured to indicate which pedal on the integrated foot-pedal gamingcontroller platform control of the game function associated with thegame function activation area has been transferred to.
 2. The gamingplatform of claim 1, wherein each function control transfer switch isconfigured to transfer control of the game function to different footpedals on the integrated foot pedal gaming controller platform uponsuccessive activations of the function control transfer switch.
 3. Thegaming platform of claim 1, wherein the function control transfer switchis configured to transfer control of the game function associated withthe function control transfer switch to the integrated foot pedal gamingcontroller platform and disable control of the game function on theprogrammable hand-held video gaming controller.
 4. (canceled) 5.(canceled)
 6. The gaming platform of claim 1, wherein each pedal on theintegrated foot pedal gaming controller platform further includes anupright pedal function indicator to indicate that the pedal is set to anupright pedal function and an inverted pedal function indicator toindicate that the pedal is set to an inverted pedal function.
 7. Thegaming platform of claim 1, wherein the integrated foot pedal gamingplatform is adaptable for use with multiple programmable hand-held videogaming controllers.
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled) 11.(canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. The gaming platform of claim 1, whereinthe dual function rocker pedal is incorporated in a gaming shoe.
 14. Thegaming platform of claim 1, wherein the quad function rocker pedal isincorporated in a gaming shoe.
 15. The gaming platform of claim 1,wherein a dual function rocker mechanism is incorporated in aprogrammable hand-held video gaming controller.
 16. A gaming platform ofclaim 1, wherein a hand-held video gaming controller in electricalcommunication with a integrated foot-pedal gaming controller platformconfigured to share control of at least one game function of thehand-held video gaming controller and includes a function inverterswitch enabling a user to toggle between upright pedal function andinverted pedal function.
 17. A gaming platform, comprising: aprogrammable hand-held video gaming controller comprising: at least onegame function activation area, each of the at least one game functionactivation areas operating a game function, each of the at least onegame function activation areas further comprising a function controltransfer switch; and an integrated articulating mouthpiece gamingcontroller platform in electrical communication with the programmablehand-held video gaming controller, the integrated articulatingmouthpiece gaming controller platform, comprising: a articulatingmouthpiece configured to control at least one game function of theprogrammable hand-held video gaming controller when a correspondingfunction control transfer switch on the programmable hand-held videogaming controller is activated, and includes a function inverter switchenabling a user to toggle between upright mouthpiece function andinverted mouthpiece function, wherein the at least one game functionactivation areas further comprise at least one indicator lightconfigured to indicate which game function of the programmable hand-heldvideo gaming controller has been transferred to, or is sharing controlwith a integrated articulating mouthpiece gaming controller platform.